Photo: BB

DHAKA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman today outlined a series of ongoing banking sector reforms, emphasizing good governance, management of weak banks, reduction of defaulted loans, and digital transformation during a meeting with leaders of the Sampadak Parishad.

The courtesy meeting was held at the BB headquarters in the city, where the governor, accompanied by deputy governors, exchanged views with editors of leading national newspapers.

President of the Sampadak Parishad and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, General Secretary and Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo Editor Maitur Rahman, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin , The Daily Samakal Editor Shahed Mohammad Ali and Agamir Shomoy Editor Mustafa Mamun attended at the meeting.

During the discussion, the governor highlighted the central bank's efforts to strengthen governance in the banking sector, address challenges facing weak banks and accelerate modernization initiatives.

Referring to the merger of weak banks, Rahman said the process was progressing steadily, with a number of administrative and management reforms already completed. 

He added that the restructuring efforts would gain further momentum once the integration and development of the banks' Core Banking Systems (CBS) are finalized.

On the issue of non-performing loans (NPLs), the governor said amendments to the Money Loan Court Act are being prepared to expedite the settlement of loan-related cases. 

He also informed the editors that a new Distressed Asset Management Company Act is being formulated to deal with irrecoverable loans more effectively.

The governor further disclosed that $25 million in stolen assets had already been seized in the United Kingdom and that efforts were underway to repatriate the funds to Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity.

Emphasizing the need to keep the banking sector free from political influence, Rahman said the reform initiatives are aimed at ensuring professionalism, accountability and sound governance in bank management and loan disbursement. 

He also briefed the delegation on measures taken to safeguard depositors' interests through the reconstitution of boards and management changes at several major banks, including Islami Bank.

Highlighting the central bank's digitalization agenda, the governor said BB envisions an integrated digital financial ecosystem featuring digital nano-loans, artificial intelligence-based credit assessment and the concept of "One Citizen, One Identity, One Wallet."

He said wider adoption of Bangla QR would promote cashless transactions and improve revenue collection by bringing customer transactions into the formal reporting framework.

The governor also assured that Bangladesh Bank is providing prompt approval for foreign currency requirements exceeding authorized limits for overseas medical treatment, provided applications are submitted through the relevant banks.

In addition, he said the reduction in interest rates for fund discounting under the Usance Payable at Sight (UPAS) facility is expected to help lower the cost of imported goods.

The editors offered a number of constructive suggestions during the meeting, while both sides expressed their commitment to continued cooperation for the development and stability of the country's banking sector.